NJDOE News

For More Information Contact the Public
Information Office:
Richard Vespucci
Jon Zlock
609-292-1126

For Release: September 25, 2003

DOE Announces Eight-month Study Period for Marie H.
Katzenbach School for the DeafDepartment is Exploring Options for a Partnership with the College
of New Jersey

Commissioner of Education William L. Librera, joined by representatives
of the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf, the College of New Jersey
and the Department of Education (DOE) this week announced that all three
entities are exploring the possibility of a partnership that would increase
the quality of education at the school.

In a meeting with roughly 100 parents, teachers, union and community
members Tuesday night at the school, Commissioner Librera outlined plans
for an eight-month study that will focus on whether an agreement between
the DOE, Katzenbach and the College of New Jersey would improve the quality
of learning for students in the deaf community.

"This is an opportunity to explore ways to be better tomorrow than
we are today," Commissioner Librera said. "Right now, this is
not a plan of action. This is a plan of study. We all remain committed
to increasing the quality of education for the students at Katzenbach.
This study is the best way to move forward."

As outlined during the meeting, the DOE is setting up five study groups
under the oversight of an executive steering committee, comprised of representatives
from the DOE, College of New Jersey and the Katzenbach school. The steering
committee will define each sub groups mission and then incorporate
their findings into a final report.

The study groups will explore the five following areas:

Educational Programs and Services;

Facilities;

Finances;

Governance; and

Human Resources.

The study timeline is tentatively as follows:

October, 2003: the executive steering committee will meet and formally
assign members to study groups, as well as the parameters for the
study groups;

October, 2003 to April, 2004: the study groups will conduct their
review and analysis;

February 2004: the study groups will submit an interim report to
the executive steering committee; and

May, 2004: The executive steering committee will prepare and distribute
a final report based on the study group findings.

During Tuesday nights meeting, Commissioner Librera stressed that
no final decisions regarding the future of the school have been made.
Answering a question from the audience, the Commissioner also said the
school would operate as it does currently should an agreement not come
to pass.

"We remain dedicated to this process so that we can identify what
works and what doesnt work," the Commissioner said. "Should
we find the partnership cannot happen, we will continue to support this
school as it operates. Dennis Russell is a wonderful superintendent, and
we have every bit of confidence in his abilities."

Commissioner Librera, joined by Deputy Commissioner Dwight Pfennig, Assistant
Commissioner for Student Services Isaac Bryant and other DOE officials,
as well as President R. Barbara Gitenstein of the College of New Jersey.
Joining Dr. Gitenstein was Dr. Stephen R. Briggs, the colleges Provost
and other college officials.

Superintendent Dennis Russell hosted the meeting.

For more information, please contact the Department of Education Public
Information Office at (609) 292-1126.